MotoGP: Jorge Lorenzo set to switch to Suzuki for 2019?

Rumours are circulating that Suzuki is targeting three-time MotoGP champion Jorge Lorenzo to partner Alex Rins for the 2019 season.

After a challenging debut season at Ducati last year during which Lorenzo struggled to truly get to grips with the Desmosedici, things have started in much the same vein for 2018, with just one point to his name from the opening two races of the season. The lack of results, combined with the success of his teammate Andrea Dovizioso, means Lorenzo be unlikely to command the €12million he earns currently as Ducati’s number one rider, if he stays put in 2019.

But, a switch to Suzuki could offer Lorenzo a clear way out of the situation – despite Suzuki not having the resources to offer him the kind of money he is currently earning at Ducati. So, he might be convinced to stay put if he manages to turn around his form over the next few round of MotoGP.

Reports suggest that Suzuki is convinced that the GSX-RR would be a good match for the Lorenzo’s smooth riding style – so the Japanese brand has decided to throw its efforts into convincing the three-time world champion to jump ship.

Rumours about Lorenzo come amid news that Suzuki is thought to have run out of patience with Andrea Iannone, with the Italian failing to live up to his role as Suzuki’s lead rider since joining at the start of 2017 from Ducati – finishing 13th in last year’s standings. And he’s been outperformed this year by his teammate Alex Rins, who took the team’s first podium finish since 2016 last weekend in Argentina.